iradiophilly | News - Don Tollefson pleads Guilty to Fraud; Charges Suddenly Dropped DeCoatsworth; Worker Killed at Zoo

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Don Tollefson pleads Guilty to Fraud; Charges Suddenly Dropped DeCoatsworth; Worker Killed at Zoo

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 09/29/14 9:50 pm | updated: 09/29/14 9:50 pm

Former Philadelphia sportscaster Don Tollefson pled guilty in court today to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars and deceiving hundreds of people in a fraud scam that ripped off charities and sports fans. Prosecutors in Bucks County Court presented more than 200 individual victims who were bilked out of $317,000. Tollefson said he represented various charities, such as the Special Olympics, and would sell fantasy packages to Phillies' spring training, Eagles' away games, or the Super Bowl. The proceeds were supposed to go to the charities and the donors would be expecting their tickets but the only person to get anything would be Tollefson. He has said he was increasingly motivated by a drug and alcohol addiction that got out of control. Earlier this year he was released from prison and attended a 30 treatment program. He remains out on bail with electronic monitoring pending sentencing within 60 days.

A former hero cop who was facing charges of rape, prostitution, and human trafficking had those charges suddenly dropped today. Ex-Philadelphia officer Richard DeCoatsworth was accused of drugging and raping two woman and forcing them into prostitution. He was arrested in May 2013. Earlier this year he even pled guilty to some charges, but withdrew his plea. In a statement, the District Attorney's office said that there was not enough evidence to proceed with prosecution. Defense attorneys say that two key female witnesses are not credible. DeCoatsworth was released on his own recognizance. He does still face alleged domestic abuse charges involving his girlfriend. DeCoatsworth was shot in the face during a routine traffic stop in 2007 and still managed to chase down his attackers. He was hailed a hero, accepting an invitation to sit next to First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2009 State of the Union address.

A maintenance worker was killed this morning at the Philadelphia Zoo after a heavy duty golf cart fell on him. The mechanic, in his 50's, was alone in the maintenance garage working on the cart when it fell off the lift. When he did not show up for a 10 am meeting someone went to look for him. They found him pinned under the cart. Rescue was called around 11:10 am. He was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was pronounced dead. The longtime employee was well known and well liked. Grief counselors are being made available for zoo staff. Police are investigating the accident.

Tonight,
Cloudy, chance of showers, temperatures around 70 this evening in Center City

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